PM Orban Likely to Put Forward New Digital Child Protection Proposal

Excessive screen use among young children is not only linked to attention, speech, sleep and eating problems, but can also trigger “virtual autism”, warned Melinda Hal, senior researcher at the Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC), in response to Magyar Nemzet's inquiry.

Illustration (Photo: Pexels)

Many preschool children suffer from underdeveloped communication skills (Source: Pexels)

“Virtual Autism” and the Consequences of Screens

Hal warns that excessive screen use in preschoolers can be linked to problems developing in attention, speech, sleeping and eating, and can even lead to "virtual autism", which is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Less eye contact
• Reduced facial expressiveness
• Difficulty engaging in play or focusing attention
• Declining social skills and emotional differentiation

Studies also show that when parents themselves are glued to their phones, the emotional bond and shared attention moments between parent and child weaken. Both verbal and nonverbal interactions suffer.

Well-meaning efforts by parents are also harmful, such as when they "educate" a preschooler through an app (Source: Pexels)

“We’re seeing communication delays and greater numbers and more severe behavioral problems in many preschoolers,” Hal said. “The number of children diagnosed with special educational needs (SEN) is growing. How will we educate and properly develop these kids?” She added that these children will soon become preteens, yet they lack basic emotional, social and creative skills. They avoid eye contact, have underdeveloped speech and reading comprehension, and will likely continue to fall further behind their peers.

Hal: This Issue Must Transcend Politics

According to Hal, digital child protection must transcend political parties, become a priority in parliament and in practice, because without action, today’s children won’t be able to perform, let alone compete – neither in Hungary nor globally. This could threaten the country’s economy and family structures.

“I support the Our Homeland Movement's proposal to make Big Tech companies contribute to a mental health fund, from which we can finance digital detox campaigns for children. But we must also reflect on our own behavior – children learn primarily by watching their parents.” Hal also called for a national effort to reduce digital device use and encourage in-person social connection. “If we don’t have nation-wide joint action, our mental competitiveness will decline despite knowing that emotional intelligence and empathy are the keys to a successful life,” Melinda Hal concluded.

Cover photo: Illustration (Photo: Pexels)